later, Peter

There used to be a shop in Tualatin: Dan's Subaru... not cheap but they knew their Subarus. Don't think it's the same owner if it is still there. & watch the fluids... coolant level in the overflow tank AND if you choose to do your own coolant drain & fill BE CAREFUL about the air captured in the cooling system. IF you don't get it all out you WILL create the necessary scenario for HG failure. later, Peter

It seems to me, there is a seperate (permanent) power supply that keeps the memory & the time. that wire would appear to be shorted out. If the cd player is external the power to it may be the same source... I once lost a stereo because the seat track ran over a wire (the seat was being readjusted). Try to locate that wire or fuse. later, Peter

Local gas station had diesel fuel unloaded into their premium tank... the result is a "neighbor's" new subaru died from the diesel. He took to the local dealer & they are analyzing the results. Potential damage? things to look out for, to inspect, to replace???? Later, Peter

Isn't there a temp sensor (cold weather idle) for this engine? If it idles ok after the engine reaches full op temp.... wouldn't that indicate a temp sensor of some kind? Later, Peter

I own a '99 OBW (30th ann ed) & a '96 "basic" OBW. Like 'em both enough to be negotiating on another '96 OBW (heated seats & better speakers)... I like the comfort, the lines (IMHO: these were the best looking OBW made), the gas mileage ('99 gets over 30 on the fast road, the '96 not so much) & the safety issue (sturdier then many other cars same size & the all wheel drive in the wet & snow).... Asked MANY MANY other '96 - '99 OBW owners how their vehicles were going... only minor problems were mentioned... (w/60k - 185k) so the '99 was purchased with 57k now has 84k in about 1 1/2 years & have only purchased good quality snow/ice tires. The head gasket problems seem to be related to air being left in the cooling system after a drain & fill (for the most part)... Mantainance is key (like any other quality machine). Later, Peter

The mechanic (trusted) explained: replace the radiator FLUSH FLUSH the system until it runs clear THEN you must becareful not to leave any air in the cooling system. & (if the trans isn't slipping or anything) have the trans fluid flushed (Jiffy Lube/ Oil Can Henry's, wherever) two times MINIMALLY!!! IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM... I assumed it was HG's also, but no overheating, plenty of power... Later, Peter

WAIT WAIT WAIT!!! Have the mechanic check the trans... the '96 OBW I am looking at purchasing seems to have the "gunk in the overflow tank" syndrome BUT it appears to be a breach of the Trans fluid in the radiator... HG's still intact, NO overheating, power is good, trans just a tad sloppy (another symptom). INVESTIGATE that aspect, too. Later, Peter

Hey, it's all "lies & jests until a man hears what he wants to hear" P.Simon I have TWO phase one OBW's & may be buying a third.... I did some research (asking actual '96 - '99 owners)... found that RARELY did anyone have any major problems... most of them had between 100k & 165k. That speaks more than rumours & inuendos of the internet. The major deal with the HG failure seems to be attributed to an odd design in the cooling system. That is, if you don't quite get ALL of the air out it will most likely heat up & cause the headgaskets to breach. My '99 had 57k when I bought it 15 months ago now it has 83k the '96 has 155k the '96 I may get next week has 147k (it may have a leak from the trans into the radiator but you don't read much about that). Personally, I think it's Subaru's best looking vehicle in over a decade (the lines are sweet). I like it better than the Michelin Tire Man looking plastic clad sides of the later OBW's... the '06 is nice though. It's comfortable, it's solid, it's reliable, it holds it resale value, the gas mileage is reasonable (the '99 will get over 35 mpg on the highway, if my wife drives; the '96 about 28 but it seems to have more power, too), it grips the road into the curves nicely.... I'd say buy it after you get a pre purchase inspection from an EXPERIENCED Subaru mechanic (not necessarily a dealer)... the price, who knows out here a '96 with 130k will bring $6k... Later, Peter

It's there. A kid at a tire store tried to show it to me (the first time) he was pushing on this bolt head for about a minute.... then said: "there you go". (expecting a tip???) anyway, got home got a flashlight got on my knees & squeezed into the floor board space... upper left corner back of the dash, almost against the firewall to the left of the pedals........ keep looking, the little button hangs from about 2 inches of wire but MAY be behind other wires.... The program is easy. Buy the device off the internet? Make sure the remote's #'s are correct not necessarily the year of vehicle information. Later, Peter

I think it was a Haynes book I was using while taking the head off of a 1972 Datsun (yeah, prior to Nissan) PU truck... I seem to remember that one step was left out... the step about blocking the timing chain tensioner... it became a MUCH bigger project after that. Later, Peter

dump the Seafoam run the engine, reset the codes... look out Cleveland. Later, Peter

A few weeks back I had a CEL: 4th cylinder misfire... Since I was going to have to order the wires (which was to be the first line of defense) I, in the meantime poured a can of Seafoam in the gas tank... whooosh the CEL was gone & hasn't been back since. Later, Peter

I just wanted to add my thanks for allowing me access to all this information! I downloaded a WinAce file that allowed the .rar file to be opened by Word or Acrobat, depending on the subfile.... So, thanks again, it's a gas. Later, Peter

Driver's side windows are ALWAYS "loose"... just a design flaw. should seem fine if all the way up or down. The dealership guy should offer a VIN check if you are serious about the vehicle... documenting it wasn't a refashioned wreck or a submerged Subaru. & you can request a different mechanic check it over... the clutch MAY be an adjustment or it may be in need of replacement... Ask this board for a recommendation for a mechanic in "your neck of the woods" GOOD LUCK & SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. Later, Peter

was this some aftermarket addition? I have only heard of keyless entries with the remote. Later, Peter

My initial thought was "the dreaded HG syndrom" but unless the trans is going too... also, it doesn't over heat. I tried long up hill runs pushing the vehicle & the temp guage (exactly the same place as my wife's '96) doesn't move one iota.... so, I figured another car "expert" should look at it this week & see if there's a meeting of the mechanic's minds. I suppose it could be the HG AND another problem... in which case, the car is NOT mine... no worries. later, Peter

Sounds spendy. especially with all the rust. Check the other post regarding rust. For that money, you should be able to get a better deal, even in NY with all the salt stuff they lay down. later, Peter

I appreciate that, checked the web site... odd deal with the "chat man"... ANYONE have experience with buying wrecking yard radiators??? Later, Peter

I just put on Michelin Ice-X for their second season... ran them late into the spring last year & have them on early this year. THEY WERE GREAT!!! didn't need chains for the first time.... felt safe on the ice (with appropriate caution, of course) COSTCO & cheaper than cheaper (quality) tires. Try 'em, you'll like 'em. Later, Peter

Repair the hole (weld, braze, wrapthecrap, JBWeld the hole), pour some Seafoam in the gas tank, reset the code.... you're good to go. Later, Peter

& I assumed it was a blown HG... took the potential purchase to a trusted diagnostician who deemed it a breach in the radiator allowing Trans fluid & coolant to mix.... recommendations: flush the trans (a few times) replace the radiator (????????NEW OR USED IS THE QUESTION!!!!!) flush & flush & flush the cooling system. this would be $200 (used radiator & flushing) vs. $3 - $400 for same with new... '96 OBW with 150k YOUR OPINIONS???? Later, Peter BTW, the hg job was quoted at $450 - $2000 (dealer, surprise surprise)

it's a $10 (or so) part from any auto dealer... it's nearly universal fit. Later, Peter

I have an '99 OBW. I got it last year with 58k now it has 83k... NO PROBLEMS! the headgasket deal is not required to blow. That said, I've been looking at a (2nd) '96 OBW... thought it had blown the hg but didn't overheat, found it was a breach in the radiator for the trans coolant.... less hassle, less money... this is a GREAT car if mantained (specific care when changing the coolant, that IS where the problem is developed die to a design flaw in bieng able to purge all the air). AND more importantly, it looks good. Best lines of the the OBW, IMHO. Later, Peter

It's a buck per can less than the Napa at the local Parts store in town, for that miracle can of nectar of the autogods. Later, Peter

Did the search & found: most of the responses regarding this code have to do with new O2 sensors or new cats, which seem to weaken by water contact.... I can do either of these myself (unless the cat has been replaced by a welder) so that won't be too bad... don't want to buy any parts so: I'll SEAFOAM it hope for the best.